WASHINGTON DC, USA — During a marathon testimony before the US Congress on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that investigators are still uncertain whether former US President Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet or a piece of shrapnel during the assassination attempt on him earlier this month.
In his hours-long session with lawmakers, Wray mentioned twice that the FBI is working to determine what exactly struck Trump’s right ear during the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“My understanding is that either it [a bullet] or some shrapnel is what grazed his ear,” Wray told Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.).
Committee Chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) inquired further about the trajectory of the bullets fired by the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
“There is some question about whether or not it was a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear, so it is conceivable, as I sit here right now, I don’t know whether that bullet, in addition to causing the grazing, could have also landed somewhere else,” Wray testified.
Jordan did not pursue additional questions regarding the shrapnel.
FBI Director Christopher Wray: “With respect to former president Trump, there’s some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear.” pic.twitter.com/3TNjLZp4S1
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) July 25, 2024
The attack occurred during a rally attended by the 2024 Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Republican National Convention just days after the incident, Trump recounted the near-miss.
“I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear,” he said. Trump described the bullet as coming “within a quarter of an inch of taking my life.”
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Trump’s former White House physician, later shared details of his examination of the wound on a conservative talk show.
“It [the bullet] was far enough away from his head that there was no concussive effect from the bullet, and it just took the top of his ear off,” Jackson explained.
Wray also provided new insights into the investigation, including the revelation that Crooks had researched the distance from which former President John F. Kennedy was shot in 1963, indicating a possible premeditated study of assassination tactics.
As the testimony unfolded, Trump responded via a post on Truth Social, calling for Wray’s resignation.
However, his demand was not related to the details of the assassination attempt. Instead, Trump criticised the FBI director for describing his interactions with President Biden as “uneventful and unremarkable.”
The investigation into the assassination attempt continues, with the FBI meticulously examining all aspects of the case to understand the full extent of the threat and to ensure the safety of political figures.
